Zionism Flashcards
What is political Zionism?
Herzl campaigned tirelessly for the foundation of a Jewish state. He toured the heads of state offering them all sorts of deals for a piece of land on which to settle the Jews. He even toyed with the idea of accepting a British offer of Uganda, but once again, the religious Jews who would not accept the idea foiled him. In 1897, he galvanised the energy to set up a World Zionist congress with delegates from all over the world talking of how the dream could be realised.
What did he write and believe?
Herzl later wrote “In Basel I created the Jewish state”.
Herzl believed that his mission was to normalise the Jewish people. He intended to build a state similar to all the other great European capitals where Jews could live like everyone else free from the threat of persecution. In his diaries, he recorded his hope that once he had solved the Jewish problem, he would go on to help black people achieve their freedom.
Where does his picture hang?
Herzl’s picture hangs above the seat of the Speaker of the Knesset. It was placed there in recognition of his status as the founder of political Zionism.
What is religious Zionism?
Rav Kook established himself as a rabbi who was concerned for the whole Jewish people. Whilst other rabbis rejected the work of the secular pioneers, Rav Kook believed that they were doing God’s work, the settlement of the Land of Israel was a crucial stage in the build up to messianic times even if the pioneers themselves were unaware of it.
What did he reckon?
He reckoned that whoever was involved in that work should be supported regardless of their religious practice. Rav Kook would visit the local kibbutzim and he encouraged the Diaspora communities to buy their produce.
How is he viewed?
Rav Kook is viewed as one of the founders of religious Zionism. He believed that the settlement of the Land of Israel is a major religious duty, which should be celebrated. His vision to create a state of Israel where traditional Judaism would be renewed and people would feel more connected to God and to the principles of Judaism. He felt that by living in Israel, Jews would be able to live religious lives which were more creative than they were in the Diaspora.
What is cultural Zionism?
Ahad Ha’am whose real name was Asher Ginsberg grew up in a religious home. He argued that liberated from their religion, there was still an enormous Jewish creativity that should be allowed to flourish. Constant persecution in the Diaspora made that virtually impossible so it was important to take the most cultured people to Israel where they could renew the Jewish creative spirit.
